Tour of the School

72157628841722233

The school has a good atmosphere,
the pupils are very well behaved and the buildings are
impressive.

Parent

The Barlow RC High School

The Barlow RC High School is a high
performing Catholic secondary school, with over 850 pupils on roll.
Our staff and student relationships are excellent and the school
has made significant improvements over recent years. This was
recognised in our last Ofsted report in October 2012. In 2012, we also
achieved our best ever results, with 95% of our pupils gaining five
or more GCSEs at A*-C, 74% including English and Maths.

Dedicated to St Ambrose Barlow a
local Martyr and Saint, the school was established in 1985 as a
result of the amalgamation of the Hollies RC High School for
Girls and St Mark's RC High School for Boys. The Barlow is situated
in the heart of East Didsbury, a suburb of Manchester and is easily
accessible from the A34 bypass and the M56 and M60 motorway
networks.

In April 2010, The
Barlow began a programme of building work at an estimated
investment of £11.2 million. The renovation work was part
of the Building Schools for the Future programme - the
Government's investment in rebuilding and refurbishing secondary
schools in England. The building work was completed in 2012 and as
a result the school has a new, high-specification science
block, lecture theatre, sports hall, ICT suites, astro turf
pitch and reception area. The English, Maths, Design &
Technology and Art departments were
all remodelled; creating an environment that is both
purposeful and inspiring.

The Barlow's aim is to develop
the whole child; morally, socially, physically, academically,
spiritually and in accordance with their individual needs. Our
assemblies are instrumental in helping to develop the aims,
attitudes and values of our school and we celebrate and reward
the success and achievements of our children. We are proud of the
friendly and focused learning atmosphere, which is often
remarked upon by visitors. Our Governing Body is very supportive of the
school and the Governors are involved in all aspects of school
life. We strongly encourage and believe in working in partnership
with parents.